Robotics to aid in scaring off monkeys from Tzaneen farms
In an effort to help farmers who are tormented by monkeys and baboons which feed on their fruit and crops, a Tzaneen-based company have produced a new robot that will assist to scare the animals away.
LIMPOPO – A company operating under Greater Tzaneen Community and based in Tarentaalrand outside Tzaneen decided to produce this machine which they think will be of use to farmers. According to one of the founding members, Charlie Ledwaba, this initiative was started two weeks ago and farmers and emerging farmers who find themselves at the receiving end of monkeys and baboons see it as an option to save their produce.
The sampling robot, which was on display at the Tzaneen Agri-Expo at Letaba Showgrounds from September 28 to 29, may be produced in human size, depending on the needs of the client (farmer).
Ledwaba said once purchased, a farmer can place it on a farm and programme it to scare the animals which destroy their fruit and crop by making a noise.
“We hope this will be a solution to farmers who are currently using makeshift scarecrows on their farms, which seems to be of little worth,” Ledwaba said.
